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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br /> 184 <br /> 185 8. Housing Maintenance Assistance Program - Community Development Director Grochala <br /> 186 gave a summary of the written Staff report noting in 2004 the City received $225,000 from the <br /> 187 Metropolitan Council Local Housing Incentives Account(LHIA)to assist with development of <br /> 188 work force housing in the Legacy at Woods Edge development. The funding was provided to the <br /> 189 developer in the form of a no-interest loan for construction of the Lakewood Apartment building. <br /> 190 It was intended to be forgiven but part of their financing required it be paid back; when the <br /> 191 facility was sold in 2022 the loan was repaid in full so the City received $225,000 back. Under <br /> 192 the terms of the LHIA agreement, the City can return the money to Metropolitan Council, or use <br /> 193 the grant funds on a"revolving"basis to implement projects that would help the City meet its <br /> 194 affordable and life-cycle housing goals, which is what Staff is recommending. He stated the <br /> 195 proposal is similar to Blaine's Front Door program that aims to enhance curb appeal of a home, <br /> 196 and would be a low interest loan with funding up to 85%of project cost to a maximum of <br /> 197 $10,000. The revolving loan would continue to benefit the community. <br /> 198 <br /> 199 Councilmember Lyden thinks it is a fabulous idea and asks that the interest rate is as low as <br /> 200 possible. <br /> 201 <br /> 202 Councilmember Stoesz asked if it would simplify things to pick one product, such as a driveway, <br /> 203 to be an incentive. Mr. Grochala thinks a driveway is part of curb appeal and is important. He <br /> 204 noted it could be an option but does not know whether the City should only focus on one option. <br /> 205 He shared about criteria for the loan including assessed value of the home and homes that are <br /> 206 over 30 years old. <br /> 207 <br /> 208 Councilmember Ruhland has 20 years of experience in working with down payment assistance <br /> 209 programs and would love to consult on this in the future. He asked if the program is only for <br /> 210 owner-occupied homes? Director Grochala replied the Economic Development Advisory <br /> 211 Committee (EDAC) was specific about owner-occupied, single-family homes. <br /> 212 <br /> 213 The Council discussed EDAC's role and Councilmember Ruhland working with them on the <br /> 214 matter. <br /> 215 <br /> 216 9. 2024-2028 Street Reconstruction Plan Process - Community Development Director <br /> 217 Grochala gave a summary of the written Staff Report, reviewing the City's pavement <br /> 218 management plan and noted every three years the City tries to do a street reconstruction project. <br /> 219 In order to do street reconstruction bonds the City must put a five-year plan together, hold a <br /> 220 public hearing, and it is subject to a reverse referendum project. He reviewed streets included in <br /> 221 the 2024 plan as well as the 2027 plan, <br /> 222 <br /> 223 Councilmember Stoesz asked about Anoka County's plan to improve the intersection by North <br /> 224 Road and Sunset with the high school congestion. Director Grochala noted Anoka County is <br /> 225 currently doing a corridor management study and once they get those results they will probably <br /> 226 start programming for improvements along the corridor. <br /> 227 <br /> 228 Mayor Rafferty noted Lakeview is problematic and noted Public Works is doing a lot to meet the <br /> 229 needs of the public over there. He appreciates Staff's efforts. <br /> 5 <br />